Barrow AFC have confirmed they are on the look out for a new head coach after Rob Kelly turned down the role for the 21/22 season.
Kelly was temporarily in charge at The Progression Solicitors Stadium from February until the end of the season, with the club in discussions with the 56-year-old about taking the First Team manager job on a permanent basis.
Despite guiding Barrow to a 21st placed finish, guaranteeing the club’s safety in League Two in their debut season, Kelly has informed chairman Paul Hornby that he doesn’t wish to be considered for the position, meaning the vacancy in Cumbria remains.
Following the curtailment of the 19/20 Vanarama National League season due to Covid-19, Barrow were promoted to League Two as champions after the table was finalised by points per game.
Ian Evatt was the man at the helm to guide The Bluebirds up into the Football League, but the 39-year-old swapped Barrow for newly relegated Bolton before the 20/21 season kicked off.
Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Dunn was brought in as Evatt’s replacement, but Dunn failed to impress at Barrow, eventually being sacked in December after nine matches without a win.
Former Grimsby manager Michael Jolley then took over for a brief seven matches at Holker Street before Kelly came in as caretaker manager until the end of the campaign.
After an upturn in form with Kelly in charge, Barrow’s Football League status was secured.
Despite an impressive job from the former Leicester City caretaker manager in the latter stages of the season, Kelly has declined the role on a permanent basis, with the club now on the hunt for a new head coach ahead of the 21/22 League Two season.
